I didn't mind Fox's studio group. At least they kept it light and I liked Barton. But Gus Johnson was the first ever soccer announcer that forced me to watch a match with the mute on. I couldn't take that clown any longer.

I didn't mind Fox's studio group. At least they kept it light and I liked Barton. But Gus Johnson was the first ever soccer announcer that forced me to watch a match with the mute on. I couldn't take that clown any longer.

Fox's group is/was terrible. I prefer the sort of stoicism of British commentary because it lets me watch the game rather than distract my attention with inane anecdotes or bad jokes.

The duo they have calling the Hull/Chelsea game is good. They keep it serious when it needs to be but inject a little humor when they see a moment for it. They also get really passionate when they see a series of good plays that showcase good soccer even when it doesn't end in a goal.

Interesting type of goal you don't see often these days. Indirect kick deep inside the penalty box because the keeper had to handle a ball kicked back to him too hard. They lined up everyone on the goal line and still couldn't stop it.

All the more reason to pursue an MLS franchise in Tampa. Done right, there's no reason Central Florida can't become one of the key focal points of US soccer at a time when US soccer is starting to reach some competitive maturity. This is the right time to get in on it. All the fundamentals are fairly strong and a lot of the kinks have been worked out from some of MLS's early mistakes.

I doubt they'd tell me, but I'd love to know if Leiweke and Vinik have discussed it.

The US has invited Brooks for the upcoming matches against Costa Rica and Mexico, and he looks poised to accept. If he does, he's locked into Team USA and can't flip back to Germany.

And, if his development continues, the center back situation is set for the three cycles. Between Gonzalez, Besler, and Brooks, the US is doing pretty well. Good thing, too, because that's a slower position to develop, and the US doesn't appear to have many bright prospects waiting to step in.